I have almost 20 pairs of shoes! Like most, I select my shoes based upon the outfit I will be wearing for the day. Of course, my outfit often depends on my mood and the path I am on for the day. As I was getting ready this morning, I realized in the past I put on shoes I did not like because I was wearing shoes to walk on another’s path. I have worn combat, cowboy, rain and hiking boots, high heels, flip-flops, and athletic shoes in all different styles. I can think of numerous times when I wore shoes that were too tight, felt clunky, or rubbed me the wrong way.
So why did I wear these shoes?
Like most children, my parents, family members, clergy and teachers taught me how to live, love, make money, and spend my free time. Unconsciously these teachings became part of my personal values and I began to follow other’s paths. I often felt lost, stuck or had a hard time navigating these paths. My feet would get tired or sore when walking on these paths and I would feel drained at the end of the day. I would go to bed thinking about getting a new pair of shoes and ponder about the stress I experienced on the path earlier in the day.
How did I find the perfect fitting shoes?
I began questioning why I was willing to wear shoes that I did not like or fit well. I was honest with myself as I began making a list and I here is what I found:
- I wanted to please people I thought were important by wearing the right shoes to walk in their path.
- I was afraid people would judge me if I wore shoes I really loved.
- I thought some shoes would make me look professional or smart.
- I wanted shoes to make me look athletic, cool, and successful.
After reviewing my list, I made a conscious decision to wear shoes that fit perfectly. I no longer fear judgment, try to walk in another’s path, worry about pleasing others, and nor do I care if I look cool. I decided my path involves being authentic in mind, spirit, and body. I wear shoes I absolutely love while walking on the path I love and feel empowered to wear shoes that help me to walk my path with ease and grace.
